Making scientific graphs with Microsoft Excel

Making scientific graphs on graph paper

Graphs are a useful tool in science. The visual characteristics of a graph make trends in data easy to see. One of the most valuable uses for graphs is to "predict" data that is not measured on the graph.

Extrapolate: extending the graph, along the same slope, above or below measured data. example Interpolate: predicting data between two measured points on the graph. example

How To Construct a Line Graph On Paper

Step What To Do How To Do It
a. Independent Variable (controlled by the experimentor) Goes on the X axis (horizontal) Should be on the left side of a data table.

Identify the variables

b. Dependent Variable (changes with the independent variable) Goes on the Y axis (vertical) Should be on the right side of a data table.

Determine the variable range.

a. Subtract the lowest data value from the highest data value. b. Do each variable separately. a. Determine a scale,
(the numerical value for each square),

Determine the scale of the graph.

that best fits the range of each variable. b. Spread the graph to use MOST of the available space.

Number and label each axis.

This tells what data the lines on your graph represent.

Plot the data points.

a. Plot each data value on the graph with a dot. b. You can put the data number by the dot, if it does not clutter your graph. a. Draw a curve or a line that best fits the data points. b. Most graphs of experimental data are not drawn as "connect-the-dots". a. Your title should clearly tell what the graph is about.

Draw the graph.

Title the graph.

b. If your graph has more than one set of data, provide a "key" to identify the different lines.

Graphing resources:

Practice for Graphing and Interpreting Data Graph Paper Science Graph Evaluation Rubrics

Research Links: More about graphs - Honolulu Community College